Buying the best brushes you can afford is the first step to a successful trim painting job. After that, it's a matter of learning how to use them effectively. Here are some handy tips and a how to.
- To spread paint evenly with a brush, start with a few zigzag strokes, then spread the paint out to cover the gaps. To finish an area, use just the tips of the bristles to smooth out the brushstrokes. This is called 'laying-off' or 'feathering' and removes any unsightly overlapping marks.
- You'll be less likely to overload a brush if your paint can is only partly filled. Gently pressing your brush against the side of the can will remove any excess, an clear space at the top of the can ensures that you won't accidentally reload your brush while removing excess paint.
- Usually it's easiest to paint the ceiling first, then the walls, then finally the trim. Don't worry if paint gets on the trim when you're working on the walls: you'll cover it later.
- If you have a steady hand, you can try painting your trim with the outer bristles of the brush right in the joint where it meets the wall. Otherwise mask the wall with masking tape.
- The key to an ultra-smooth finish on trim is to apply several coats of paint, sanding with a sanding sponge (not sandpaper) between each coat. Sponges conform to the shape of the woodwork and get into crevices where sandpaper can't reach. After sanding, vacuum, then wipe down with a tack cloth to remove the fine dust.